Thursday: Conservative Opposition Day Focused on Autism

Thursday: Conservative Opposition Day Focused on Autism

UPDATED May 18, 2017 9:22amET

It’s an opposition day for Conservatives in the House of Commons. The party has this motion from Alberta MP Mike Lake, whose son Jaden has autism and has long advocated for autism awareness and research:

(b) it is a lifelong diagnosis that manifests itself in a wide-range of symptoms, including difficulty communicating, social impairments, and restricted and repetitive behaviour;

(c) individuals with autism and their families face unique challenges over their lifespan, often leading to families in crisis situations;

and (d) Autism Spectrum Disorder is not just a health issue — it has overarching implications for Canadian society as a whole;

accordingly, the House call on the government to grant the $19 million over 5 years requested by the Canadian Autism Partnership working group, Self-Advocates advisory group, and the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance, in order to establish a Canadian Autism Partnership that would support families and address key issues such as information sharing and research, early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains and Small Business and Tourism Minister Bardish Chagger discuss estimates at the Commons industry committee. Treasury Board President Scott Brison does the same at the government operations committee. LIVE ONLINE 8:45am ET / 5:45am PT